The Falcons’ quarterback picture is still a mess heading into Week 2, and all signs point to Cooper Rush getting another turn if nothing changes before kickoff.
Atlanta went into the season hoping Michael Penix Jr. or Tua Tagovailoa would be under center. Instead, Penix is still working his way back after major knee surgery, while Tagovailoa was named the starter but then got hurt at practice. That left Rush to start Week 1, and he was dealing with an injury of his own.
The result was a rough outing, and the Falcons may be stuck in the same place again this week. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that Rush is trending toward another start because Penix still is not ready for game action and Tagovailoa remains banged up.
“The Falcons' best option remains third-year man Michael Penix Jr., but he's not yet ready for live game action,” Fowler writes. "...
Tagovailoa's injury, an oblique strain, can linger, which puts his Week 2 status up in the air. So, Cooper Rush starting another week wouldn't be shocking."
Atlanta has not named a starter yet, and that decision probably won’t come until later in the week. Even so, the direction is pretty clear: Rush looks like the most likely QB1 if Penix and Tagovailoa are both unavailable again.
Jack Strand would be an interesting alternative just because he is a rookie and offers something different after Rush’s brutal Week 1 performance. But Strand does not appear likely to get the job, with the veteran Rush still the more probable choice if the injuries keep both other quarterbacks out.
The matchup itself at least gives Atlanta a chance. The Falcons face the Carolina Panthers, who just allowed 59 points to the Chicago Bears.
Still, if Rush is the one starting again, the offense could struggle to produce much. For now, the Falcons are left waiting on two injured quarterbacks and hoping the picture clears before Week 2.
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